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06 May 2010

Some More Unfiltered Thoughts On Illegal Immigration

Yesterday, Atlanta Journal-Constitution columnist Cynthia Tucker crossed over to the dark side of the Force Wednesday when she penned a piece boldy declaring that hiring illegal immigrants should be a felony.

For several years, I have advocated stiff sanctions against employers who hire illegal immigrants. Not only is that fair — since the employers are also breaking the law — but it would also curb the flow of illegal immigration.

In addition to securing the borders, our lawmakers should pass stringent laws that deincentivizes illegal immigration. If that means enacting legislation making it a felony to hire illegals, under penalty of stiff fines and even jail time, then so be it.

Now there are people who will argue that illegals are taking jobs that Americans don't want. I disagree. Illegals are being exploited by businesses who see an opportunity for cheap labor without any of the labor laws and standards to which Americans have become accustomed.

Just think about it: Illegal immigrants are paid less than the minimum wage. They have no right to workers' compensation. They don't even have a right to organize collectively in a union. The second an illegal mumbles the word union under their breath, they're quickly fired and replaced.

Our elected representatives in Congress, the state legistature, even the local city councils and county commissions need to make it clear that we will not tolerate illegal immigrants; and we will not tolerate businesses who hire illegal immigrants.